How to Get Rid of a Gritty Feeling in Your Eyes

Eye Health Care

5 March 2025

That gritty sensation in your eye – the feeling like there’s a tiny grain of sand trapped under your eyelid – can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

When your eyes feel gritty, it can be distracting, whether you’re working, reading, or even just relaxing. It happens to a lot of people, and the problem can stem from different causes.

Understanding why it happens is the first step to finding relief. At Optegra, our experts will go over potential causes and solutions when your eyes feel gritty.

Why Do My Eyes Feel Gritty?

The gritty sensation you sometimes feel can be from many reasons – ranging from everyday irritants to underlying health conditions.

Sjogren’s syndrome, for example, is a condition that reduces tear production. It can leave your eyes feeling dry and gritty.

Gritty eyes are often a symptom of other eye conditions that may require attention. At Optegra, our experts are here to share what these reasons may be.

Dry Eye Syndrome is the Most Common Cause of Gritty Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is the most common cause of gritty eyes, as it directly impacts the eye’s ability to stay properly lubricated.

When your eyes don’t produce enough tears (or the quality is poor), the protective tear film becomes uneven, exposing the sensitive surface of your eyes, leading to irritation and a gritty sensation.

This discomfort can intensify when we use digital screens for a long time, environmental factors, or even ageing.

Gritty Eyes is a Symptom of Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eye lid margins usually caused by skin conditions like rosacea or bacterial infection. Blepharitis can often cause the sensation of dry eyes due to itchy swollen eyelids and make the eyes have that gritty feeling.

Blepharitis often occurs alongside meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD impacts the oil glands located at the base of the eyelashes. When they become clogged or inflamed, it can cause production of a poor quality tear film thatevaporates faster. The dryness then leads to a gritty sensation.

Do Cataracts Cause Gritty Eyes?

Cataracts don’t themselves cause gritty eyes, but the sensation can sometimes be experienced either before or after surgery due to related factors.

Before surgery, coexisting conditions like dry eye syndrome or blepharitis, can lead to the sensation. After surgery, some patients may experience temporary dryness or irritation as the eye heals, from changes in the tear film or inflammation.